Russia has published a festive video of Santa Claus becoming a victim of Russian air defence against the backdrop of the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane in Grozny, with growing evidence pointing to Russian air defence as the cause.

The Malaysian Airlines flight was travelling at cruising altitude over eastern Ukraine on a journey from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down in July 2014. A pro-Russian militia had misidentified the plane as a Ukrainian military transport aircraft.

Two days after the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsia (Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency), spoke about the incident. He recalled a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny Airport and the activation of the Kovyor (Carpet) plan at that time.

Russian missile defense systems were depicted shooting down Santa as he flew through the sky on a sleigh in a new viral short.

Russia surprises once again with its propaganda material. The latest video commissioned by the Kremlin features Santa Claus, who, instead of bringing joy and presents, serves as a symbol of a Western threat.

Russia surprises yet again with its propaganda materials. The latest video, commissioned by the Kremlin, depicts Santa Claus as a symbol of a Western threat rather than a bringer of joy and presents.

A Russian propaganda video features defense systems destroying a Santa Claus figure, coinciding with claims of downing an Azerbaijani Airlines plane that killed 38. Grandfather Frost endorses the act,

The clip emerged shortly after Russia was accused of being involved in the crash of an airplane in Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people.

The scene shows Grandfather Frost, Russia's version of Santa, congratulating a Russian soldier for shooting down Santa.